Employing a combination of theoretical frameworks, reflection exercises, and primary lessons, Venditto provides educators with a practitioner’s guide to identify gender equity issues and create gender-inclusive classrooms. For example, using the "Listening and Looking Tours" in chapter 2, educators may assess the gender equity in their classrooms. Chapter 3 then considers how to develop students into change agents, how to engage parents as "gender-equity partners," and how to develop a classroom action plan. Venditto discusses how creating a solid plan of action can drive positive change and shift organizational culture to facilitate school-wide gender equity. She provides step-by-step information on engaging in a school-wide program by creating a team charter, forming the right leadership team, developing the action plan, and engaging parents. Two chapters offer primary and intermediate lesson plans that help teachers engage students about gender issues. The final chapter provides educators with resources that may allow them to further engage in gender equity assessment and exercises. Overall, this is an excellent text for practitioners looking for lesson plans and reflection exercises to bring gender equity into their elementary school classrooms. Summing Up: Recommended. Professionals.

Choice Reviews

I was drawn into this book and didn’t want to put it down. It focuses on the need for all educators—and really anybody—to reflect critically and deeply on the adverse impact of gender bias on children and its effect on their personal development and achievement in school. The author gives readers a practical road map to examine and understand gender-healthy practices in schools and communities that will be meaningful for generations to come. Gender Equity in Elementary Schoolsis an invaluable resource for teachers and school leaders; it can help educators drive positive, actionable change in schools.

Peggy Brookins, National Board Certified Teacher, President and CEO National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Think you don’t have gender bias? Believe that your own gender or teaching experience can overcome any perceived bias? Ready for a challenge, discovery, and growth - just like your students? Then this carefully crafted toolbox is for you! And it’s also for those who don’t think they need it. Dorothy Venditto’s laser-like focus on today, and tomorrow’s gender equity issue is a new seed of enlightenment for the educator in all of us. Her comprehensive, thought provoking tips and strategies are valuable teaching tools, created as living documents we all must continually nurture. The call to action for self-reflection that Venditto highlights will lead to impactful development and changes required for gender equity health in our schools.

Dennis Fitzgerald, elementary educator

The classroom can still be an unequal space. This book is both an important call to action and a valuable road map for any educator who strives to make sure that his or her classroom is a setting where gender equity is assured and all children can flourish. When the classroom becomes a better and safer place, so too does our country and our world.

Kayce Freed Jennings, director of Girl Rising Educators

Being the father of two girls, ages 11 and 15, and having the opportunity as an administrator to have seen Dorothy in action with our students, it is wonderful to see her work in a book. Gender Equity in Elementary Schoolsis a perfect blueprint for schools. It assists teachers with activities and resources to create responsive, proactive schools and become transformational in their approach to develop gender equitable schools. The wonderful thing about Dorothy’s approach is to focus in class, at school, and the larger community to make change.

Edward Escobar, director of Pupil Personnel Services, Bedford Central School District